LE03 Theory X & Theory Y Managers

Employees are the biggest asset of an organisation. Apart from the employees working at the various levels of an organisation, there are managers who manage the various activities performed by these employees. Any person can be either lazy or active, depending on their willingness to achieve the set targets.

Based on such behaviour of and interaction between these two classes of people working in an organisation, four outcomes may be studied.

Situation 1: Lazy employees and Theory X manager

In this scenario it is given that the employees are lazy. In addition, the manager, being theory X manager, assumes that his employees are lazy. The growth of the organisation in this case is extremely limited. It is up to the manager to study the reasons for the lack of motivation within the organisation and take necessary measures hitting at the core issues.

Situation 2: Active employees and Theory X manager

In this scenario while the employees are active towards their work, the manager, in all his experience and wisdom, assumes that his employees are lazy. This would lead to the manager trying to micromanage the employees and taking measures which would cause the otherwise productive employees into resisting what they perceive to be negative. This would hurt the overall growth of the organisation, not to mention the morale and satisfaction of the employees. The successful resolution of this issue will require at least a change in management style and the way in which the employees are handled.

Situation 3: Lazy employees and Theory Y manager

In this scenario, the employees are generally lazy but the manager, being Theory Y manager, assumes that thee employees are generally productive. While this situation might seem negative, it has the potential improving the working processes of the employees, turning the organisation productive in the process. However, a lot would depend on the manager and his way of handling such employees. A good manager, by his sheer faith in his employees might be able to motivate them towards better productivity, while a not-so-good manager will only push the productivity downwards by trying to micro-manage the already lazy employees.

Situation 4: Active employees and Theory Y manager

This scenario presents a case where the employees are productive and the manager assumes the employees are productive. This is the best situation that can be achieved in an organisation where everybody is motivated and is treated by the managers as such. Such organisations are the pinnacle of growth and prosperity. These are the organisation which regularly feature in the Best Workplace surveys. Any challenge faced by an organisation is faced by its managers and employees working hand in hand so they come out stronger.

Learnings: 

The entire growth trajectory of the organisation would depend on the work culture of the organisation. A motivated employee will give his best to the organisation, but he deserves appreciation and reward from his managers, in the absence of which the motivation levels will go down. On the other hand, a motivated employee working with a Theory Y manager will form a self-feeding loop which will infinitely increase productivity.